This passage carefully argues for justification by faith. In justification, our sins are imputed to Christ to be paid for on the cross while the righteousness of Christ is imputed to us. This passage argues against justification by works (v.1-4), for justification by faith (v.5-8), and for justification by faith for both Jews and Gentiles (v.9-12). In the last argument, Abraham is used to prove that justification by faith applies to the Gentiles as well as to the Jews

What Does It Say?

1. Abraham ____________ God, and it was ___________ unto him for righteousness.
2. To him who works for righteousness, the reward is not reckoned of __________, but of ________.
3. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not __________ sin.
4. Faith was reckoned to Abraham for ________________.
5. Abraham received the ________ of circumcision, a ________ of the righteousness of the faith which he had.

What Does It Mean?

1. In verses 2-5, what two major arguments against justification by works are given? Give the two arguments in your own words.
2. The word, impute, its forms, and its synonyms, are key to this chapter. Find the word in the following verses: 6, 8, 11, 22, 23, 24. This chapter uses this word 6 of the 13 times it is used in the entire Bible. That is always a hint to importance. What is the dictionary definition of the word? What is its doctrinal significance in this chapter? That is, what great Bible truth does this word teach us? There are at least two synonyms of impute used in this chapter. What are they and how are they used?
3. Verses 9-11 make an argument using the time of Abraham’s circumcision (Genesis 17). Study these verses. What is the point of the argument? What does it mean to us today?

What Does It Mean to Me?

1. Paul quotes from Psalm 32 in Romans 4:7-8 [7] Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. [8] Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
   See All.... He quotes, “Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.” Describe to the best of your ability the blessing of forgiveness. What makes this such a great blessing?
2. Paul tells us that we can “also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham” (v.12). What is the faith of Abraham? What does it mean to walk in the steps of faith? What can you do today to walk better in these steps of faith?

Suggested Memory Verses

Romans 4:3For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
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